Meet our 2014 Generosity of Joseph Honorees

The Sisters of St. Joseph proudly announce this year's recipients of the Generosity of Joseph award: Mary Christman, Joseph and Rosemary Shaughnessy and Ron Sleptiza.

This award publicly acknowledges and celebrates individuals and/or projects whose life and service positively influences and contributes to the betterment of society, encouraging others by example to practice life-altering generosity in the spirit of St. Joseph, our patron.

The awards will be presented at the Generosity of Joseph Honors Gala on Friday, April 25 at the motherhouse. The evening includes cocktails, silent auction, dinner and the honors ceremony.

Meet our honorees:

Mary Christman, Saint LouisPromotes justice with a particular concern for the poor

Mary Christman always had a heart for helping others, which drew her to enter the CSJ community in 1960s. Although her ultimate calling was that of a wife and mother, she continues to live out the Sisters of St. Joseph’s call to serve the dear neighbor, especially the poor.

As a physical therapist, Mary shared the gift of healing with clients in need in North St. Louis—a gift she now works to bring around the globe to Haiti. Responsible for the establishment of the Sustainable Therapy Foundation, Mary helps to empower Haitian students to attend physical therapy school, allowing them to contribute to the development of rehabilitation services in Haiti.

Her hands-on approach keeps her busy with everything from training and mentoring to fundraising, both at home and abroad, her heart inspires people to keep the people of Haiti in their hearts.

Joseph and Rosemary Shaughnessy, Saint Louis Recognizes and defends the human dignity of all

St. Joseph is a model of quiet, life-giving generosity and Joseph and Rosemary Shaughnessy live their lives through his spirit, faithful to God, family and those in need.

As the co-founder of BSI-Constructors, Joseph is known for his many successes and contributions to institutions that are an integral part in the life of St. Louis. But he is better known for his integrity, character and dedication to community, principles both Joe and Rosemary have instilled in their seven children and their families.

Today, through BSI, their children continue to serve St. Louis by working with many not-for profit agencies. Their volunteer service though their many memberships and associations with St. Louis institutions show that their service is not just a business—it is a way of life.

As president of CSJ-sponsored Avila University, Ron Slepitza (pictured with wife Suzanne) is the kind of leader that walks the walk, using his personal, professional and spiritual resources to fuel the spirit of St. Joseph into every aspect of this thriving, successful university. From the diversity in the population to the institution of a CSJ associate program to the establishment of an archives that will house one of the largest collections of women’s religious artifacts in the United States, Ron keeps the school’s relationship with the sisters in the forefront.

And he ensures that the school reaches out to the community to serving the dear neighbor through the Jerusalem Farm program. This school-sponsored Catholic, intentional community located in a blighted area of Kansas City is committed to transforming the lives through service retreat experiences, sustainable living and home repair.

Leading by example, Ron influences the next generation to be defenders of human dignity, healers and reconcilers, seekers of justice and caretakers of the poor--just as St. Joseph and the Sisters of St. Joseph have done.